Iridium Introduces Ship Alert Solutions (5-3-2004)
Iridium Satellite LLC has introduced a new range of maritime satellite communication services providing cost-effective solutions for shipowners to meet the new International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements for Ship Security and Alert Systems (SSAS).
The new SSAS regulations were adopted by IMO to enhance maritime security in response to the increasing threat from terrorism and piracy. After July 1, 2004, most deep-sea passenger and cargo ships must be fitted with a device that can send an alert message containing the ship’s ID and position whenever the ship is under threat or has been compromised. The distress message must be activated covertly from a switch on the navigation bridge or other shipboard location, and transmitted only to the designated authority without being received on other ships or raising an alarm on the ship under attack.
Iridium provides several options for sending SSAS messages through its global satellite network, using short burst data (SBD), short messaging service (SMS) or circuit switched data protocols, with calls routed through public switched telephone networks, virtual private networks or the Internet. The SSAS terminal can be programmed at installation, based on the shipowner’s service plan and flag requirements. Iridium SSAS units are available from a variety of service equipment manufacturers.
